REMARKS
Speaker Adams reflects on council leadership and diversity
0:17:44
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Speaker Adrienne E. Adams opens the meeting by reflecting on her role as the first Black speaker of the most diverse city council in New York City's history. She emphasizes the importance of representation and the council's role in serving New Yorkers.
- Adams expresses pride in representing her southeast Queens community
- She highlights the diverse backgrounds and experiences of council members
- The speaker stresses the council's ability to address entrenched challenges due to their connections with their communities
Adrienne E. Adams
0:17:44
Thank you once again, meta majority leader.
0:17:46
Good afternoon and happy New Year, everyone.
0:17:50
It has been a great honor to lead our historic women majority and most diverse city council in the history of New York City these last 3 years and to do so as the first black speaker.
0:18:08
When I first ran for city council back in 2017, I wasn't certain what the outcome would be, but I knew that I wanted to give my southeast Queens community the representation it deserved.
0:18:22
8 years later, as we begin the last year of this session, my final in the council along with several of you, I feel that same tremendous pride in representing my community.
0:18:37
This has only been enhanced by the opportunity that you all provided by placing your trust in me to lead our historic legislative body.
0:18:48
The people of my district and our city have always been my priority.
0:18:54
Our city is best served by a strong local government.
0:18:58
The council is pivotal to delivering for all New Yorkers because we represent our city's collective voice.
0:19:08
Our members are New Yorkers from every borough of different backgrounds.
0:19:12
We are nurses, social workers, educators, community leaders, advocates, small business owners, and neighbors.
0:19:22
We have various experiences that match those of New Yorkers with familiarity of how government systems impact the people in our neighborhoods, and as I often say, we are our own constituents.
0:19:38
Our relationships to our communities have enabled us to unlock opportunities that were previously inaccessible to so many New Yorkers who look like us.
0:19:49
This allows us to make strides in confronting entrenched challenges within our city and society which will require sustained commitment to fully address.
0:20:01
Understanding that progress takes time, we must continue our work for a better future and let that vision guide our legislative and oversight decisions.